A step away from finals

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The Champions Trophy 2018 is going on in the Netherlands. Setting everything on track, India is just a step away from the finals. Australia has already booked a place and is looking to defend the title one last time. Performance of India in the tournament has been good but some lethargic approach in the last 2 matches seem to ruin the case.

The next match is against the Netherlands, on Saturday.

No less than a draw

Standing second in the ranking, India is just one point ahead of Netherlands. Round Robin stage guarantees the top 2 teams to qualify for the finals. A win for the opponents signifies India’s ousted from the tournament. The advancing to further stage means the second consecutive final India in Champions Trophy. In the group stage, India has one loss, two wins and a draw. The only loss coming against the World Champions Australia who holds the first spot in the table and waits to face the other finalist. The Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh holds responsibility as his heroics in the last match gave India the crucial point.

Some areas to work upon

Coach Harendra Singh would be happy with the performance of the team until now, but the effort up is not fully satisfactory. Last 2 matches, where India lost to Australia and draw against Belgium reflected the lacking side of India. While the attack was rusty in the initial stages against Australia, a late goal forced India to share points with Belgium. the injury of India’s Striker Ramanpreet Singh is a worry, but the likes of Mandeep Singh, Harmanpreet Singh seem to be doing well. Some more effort is expected from SV Sunil who has not performed at his best. India has earned a lot of penalty corners, but they could not convert them to goals.

Hoping to come back with the trophy to their name, India look to win their maiden Champions Trophy title. Though, they require only a draw to face Australia in the finals, India would look to give their best and win the game.